Will the BJP-Ajit Pawar Friendship Fracture in Mumbai? NCP Unmoved on Nawab Malik, Alliance at Risk

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Tensions are brewing within the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra. The BJP is reportedly unhappy with the NCP’s decision to retain Nawab Malik as the Mumbai election in-charge, raising concerns about potential cracks in the alliance.

NCP Stands Firm:
Despite strong objections from the BJP, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has made it clear that Nawab Malik will continue to lead the party’s Mumbai election campaign. Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare emphasized that internal appointments are solely the party’s prerogative. “Malik is a senior leader entrusted with key organizational responsibilities. His role as election in-charge is an internal matter of NCP,” Tatkare said.

BJP’s Concerns:
The BJP has repeatedly expressed discomfort with Malik’s appointment, citing his alleged connections to property deals linked with underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim. BJP leaders have publicly stated that they would be hesitant to contest the Mumbai elections in alliance with NCP if Malik continues to hold the post.

Ongoing Discussions:
Tatkare also mentioned that while Nawab Malik is not part of discussions with the BJP, he is personally in talks with former Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar to address alliance-related concerns. The NCP’s 2017 BMC election record showed 9 seats, while Shiv Sena won 82 and Congress 31 seats, with BJP emerging as the single largest party with 84 seats.

Alliance Future to Be Decided Soon:
Tatkare indicated that clarity on the alliance in other municipal corporations outside Mumbai is expected within the next two days. Apart from Nawab Malik, seat-sharing discussions between the BJP and NCP in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations are also ongoing. While there are reports of preliminary agreement for a joint contest in Pune, the Malik issue remains the most sensitive.

With election dynamics in Mumbai heavily influenced by Nawab Malik’s role, the BJP-NCP alliance could face significant strain, potentially reshaping the political landscape of Maharashtra’s urban local bodies.